I really hoped I wouldn’t have to say this, but,
“HERE WE GO AGAIN!”
by Linda Smiley

 Photos courtesy of AutoImagery.com

Who would have thought that as we left for Englishtown, NJ we would be back in the same situation that my husband, Larry, and I have been in four other times over the last four years as the National Event Series Chaplains for NHRA. 

In June 2004, we lost Top Fuel driver, Darrell Russell.  In April 2005, we lost Top Alcohol dragster driver, Shelly Howard.  In March 2007, we lost Fuel Funny Car driver, Eric Medlen.  June 21, 2008, Fuel Funny Car driver, Scott Kalitta lost his life in a horrific accident during second round of qualifying Saturday afternoon in Englishtown, NJ.

What appeared to be a decent pass, ended up in an explosion, separating the car body from the chassis.  The parachutes didn’t blossom and instead of the car careening into the sand, it slammed into the catch net support pole and climbed up the television camera boom and breaking into hundreds of little pieces.  Once again, we were called into action.

Scott was what the race family calls “a racer’s racer,“ meaning he didn’t let  anything get in the way of “taking it to the limit” when it came to racing.   He was a highly motivated racer!

Scott was known for his straightforwardness and for his practical jokes at the race track. 

One of his dear friends, Top Fuel racer, Cory McClenathan, was the subject of one of Scott’s many pranks. Cory was putting away his toiletries in his hotel room and he sensed something wasn’t right.  When he turned around, he saw a shadow behind the shower curtain.  Flinging the curtain open, there, standing in the tub, was a life-size cut-out of “Hall of Famer,” Joe Amato.  He said he screamed like a girl!  (Don’t feel too sorry for Cory.  He pulled his fair share of practical jokes too; some very elaborate.)

Scott and his wife, Kathy had two sons; Corey, who just turned 15, June 29th and Colin, who is 8 yrs. old.  We never met Kathy, but everyone who watched Scott grow up at the race track commented on how Kathy had changed Scott’s life and what a good father he was.

Saturday evening in Englishtown, our Racers For Christ Chaplains did their job in a respectable way; each one going about helping in their gifted ways.  We are so grateful for them.

Larry and I were “taking care of business,” making ourselves available to all the teams. 

Scott’s funny car was one of four “Team Kalitta” cars and everyone was grieving.  Before retiring to the motor home, I went looking for Top Fuel driver, Hillary Will one of Scott‘s teammates.  When I found her, I found the whole team behind one of the trailers, eating and fellowshipping together…being healthy.  Larry and I ate with them, which brought us comfort.

The Kalitta family graciously asked if we would officiate the Memorial Service Thursday night in Norwalk, Ohio and we accepted.  After crew chiefs Jim and John Oberhoffer spoke, and John Force shared his humorous memories, Larry told the audience of approximately 1,400 how to have hope in Christ Jesus.  Racing at 335 mph is very dangerous.  The reality is there…and that’s why Racers For  Christ is there.